The Yanks look to lock up the series win tonight against the Blue Jays. Michael Pineda (1-0, 10.80 ERA) gets the first crack at it against J.A. Happ (0-0, 3.00 ERA). Despite giving up 6 runs on 8 hits (3 homers) through 5 innings in his debut, Pineda still came away with the win. This is thanks to his offense spotting him 12 runs of support by the third inning. In one start at Rogers Centre last season, he threw 8 shutout innings taking the win.
“The Blue Jays are a pretty good team, everybody knows that,” Pineda said. “I like competing and love the game and will have fun”
Happ hasn’t lost in his last 11 starts, compiling a 1.55 ERA in that span and allowing 2 runs or less in 10 of those 11 games. He threw six strong innings his last time out against the Rays, giving up 2 runs on 7 hits and 4 strikeouts in the no decision. He did, however, allow 10 base runners due to him going right at batters. He attacked the zone throwing 54 of his 89 pitches for a strike. He left with a 3-4 lead but his pen eventually blew it. If Pineda can limit the damage and the bats remain patient and get to the pen, they have a shot.
Tidbits:
In 9 career games against the Yanks, Happ holds a 4.85 ERA.
Pineda is 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA in 8 career starts against Toronto.
Edwin Encarnacion is 7-22 (.318) with a homer in his career against Pineda. Jose Bautista is 3-19 (.158) with 2 homers and Josh Donaldson is 0-10.
7:05 pm on Yes.
